gdot statewide transit plan · 2019-09-26 · • since 2015, georgia’s rural transit trips have...

GDOT Statewide Transit Plan

Georgia Planning Association Annual ConferenceOctober 3, 2019

Agenda

• Project Purpose and Overview

• Existing Conditions • Public and Stakeholder Engagement

• Transit Needs Assessment

• Performance Measures • Upcoming Activities

• Q&A

Mentimeter IcebreakerGPA represents multiple types of planning organizations! What type of organization do you represent?

Mentimeter IcebreakerHow did you get here today?

Mentimeter IcebreakerHow often do you ride transit?

Mentimeter IcebreakerWhat would make you ride transit more often?

Mentimeter IcebreakerHow do you envision transit in Georgia in 2050?

GDOT Statewide Transit Plan

What:• Identify needs and opportunities• Incorporate local and MPO plans• Recommend implementation strategies to

address unmet needs

Why: • Support GDOT’s multimodal SWTP/SSTP • Ensure an efficient and effective Transit Program• Ensure all Georgians have access to public transit• Optimize Georgia’s multimodal network

Evaluate Service Coverage

Future Focused and Innovative

Robust Public and Agency Engagement

Coordination with Other Statewide &

Local Plans

Intercity Transit

Focus Areas:

Quantify Unmet Needs

Study ProcessCollect & Review Relevant Plans &

Data

Develop Vision & Outcome-Based

Performance Measures

Document Existing Conditions & Future

Trends

Needs Assessment

Investment Strategies &

Funding Scenarios

Final Statewide Transit Plan

Public & Stakeholder Engagement

Denotes majority completion

Project Team

Project TeamPr

ojec

t Lea

ders

hip

Kaycee MertzRail and Transit Planning Manager

Leigh Ann TrainerTransit Program Manager

Daniel WallsSWTRP Project Team Deputy Project Manager

Brian SmartSWTRP Project TeamProject Manager

ProjectStaff

Ansley Grantham JaQuitta Williams

Brittni Russaw Sinan Sinharoy Will Butler Anna Shoji

Marla Jones Ryan Ellis Leslie Langley Caleb Stubbs

Ryan Walker

Statewide Steering Committee (SSC)

The SSC consists of agencies that have a stake in transit and have a statewide purview. The SSC’s role is to:

• Assist in the development of a statewide transit vision

• Provide a statewide perspective

• Review and monitor strategic direction of the project

SSC Membership:

• ACCG• DCA• DCH• DHS• FHWA• FTA • GAMPO• GARC• GDEcD• GDOT• GMA• GTA

Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)

TAC Membership:

• Public Transit Providers (Urban, Rural, Intercity)

• Regional Commissions• MPOs and the ATL• The VA, DBHDD, ADA

Coordinator • Education, Workforce,

and Economic Development Stakeholders

The TAC consists of transit providers and agencies that have a direct role in delivering or planning for transit at the local and regional level. The TAC’s role is to:

• Provide insight to the daily challenges, needs and trends as it relates to transit service in Georgia

• Inform the recommendations of the SWTRP

• Provide insights on planning and prioritization efforts at the local and regional levels

Input has also been solicited from additional stakeholders, public interest

organizations, and community advocacy groups

Vision Statement

“Improve the quality of life and economic opportunities for all Georgians by supporting an innovative,

connected, reliable, and accessible multimodal public transportation network.”

GOALS1. Provide a safe and sustainable transit network

2. Optimize public transit programs to best meet public transit systems’ and travelers’ needs

3. Ensure public transit coverage across the state to support mobility and access for all

4. Connect rural transit to regional and urban centers

5. Leverage technology and innovation to support public transit ridership and performance measures

Overview of Public Transit in Georgia

Public Transit in Georgia• 123 counties out of 159 have public transit service

today

• 144.7 million passenger trips provided in FY 2017 across all transit modes

• Rural demand-response service is available in 95 counties and 6 cities

• 80 providers operate across the state

• 72 providers serve single counties

• 5 providers are regional systems serving multiple counties and cities, some with shared assets

• 3 municipal systems

• Provider fleets range from 1 to 76 vehicles

Public Transit in Georgia• 15 fixed-route service providers statewide

• Outside Metro Atlanta:

• 9 fixed-route providers

• 5 counties served by both fixed-route and demand-response service

• Planned future fixed-route service in Brunswick

• 13-County ATL Authority and GRTA service area:

• 6 fixed-route providers

• 5 Rural GDOT Subrecipients: Forsyth, Henry, Cherokee, Paulding, Coweta

• Newest fixed-route providers: ConnectDouglas, and Henry Co. fixed-route

LEGEND

Public Transit in Georgia – New ServiceOutside Metro Atlanta:

• New demand response service in Carroll County

• Planned future fixed-route service in Brunswick

• Planned regionally coordinated demand response service in South Georgia

13-County ATL Authority and GRTA Service Area:• Newest fixed-route providers: ConnectDouglas, and

Henry County Transit

Importance of Public Transit in Georgia

Public Transit supports Georgia’s communities by:• Improving access to healthcare and social services• Improving access to education and employment opportunities• Lowering personal transportation costs • Attracting new employers and strengthening regional economic competitiveness

Over a 20-year period, every $1 billion invested in transit results in

$3.7 billion in additional gross domestic product

Source: APTA - Economic Impact of Public Transportation Investment

Georgia’s elderly population is projected to increase 175% by

2050, passing 4.2 million statewide

Source: Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget

3.30%

7.60%

3%

12%

17%

10%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

Rural Areas withTransit

Urban Areas withTransit

Areas withoutTransit

Georgia Growth Since 2010

Total Population Growth Total Employment Growth

Sources: GDOT, NTD, US Census, and Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget

Existing Conditions Analysis

Focus Areas and Data Sources

Focus Areas Data Sources

State and Local Plan Review GDOT, Regional Commissions, MPOs, Counties, Transit Providers

Population Trends and Impacts to Transit GDOT, National Transit Database, US Census Bureau, and Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, Georgia Tech

Trip Types, Travel Patterns, Travel Demand Transit Providers, GDOT-GA Tech Research Partnership, GDOT Travel Demand Model

Transit System Operational Data National Transit Database, GDOT, Transit Providers

Transit Coverage GDOT, Transit Providers

Emerging Technologies GDOT, FTA, National Research

Planning Document Review

Planning Document Review

Common themes found in statewide plans, transit development plans, MPO long range transportation plans, regional commission plans and county comprehensive plans throughout Georgia:

Expanding local bus or rail service to meet

demand

Coordinating regionally for greater

connectivity

Coordinating land use, future development, and transportation

Promoting safe pedestrian and bike access at bus stops

and facilities

Exploring new sources to meet funding needsConnecting to jobs

and healthcareImproving access and mobility for elderly and

underserved populations

Supporting commuter or intercity transit service to meet

demand

Enhancing awareness of existing transit

service

Exploring opportunities to

partner with private companies (e.g. ride-

hailing services)

Existing Conditions

• Georgia currently has 80 Rural transit systems and 17 Urban transit systems • Outside metro Atlanta, 79.8 percent of the population and 71.8 percent of the state is served by public

transit• Since 2015, Georgia’s Rural transit trips have declined by 3.1 percent. Nationally, Rural transit trips have

declined by 2.6 percent

Sources: GDOT, NTD, US Census, and Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget

47%

54%

45%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Rural Areas with Transit Urban Areas with Transit Areas without Transit

Projected 2050 Population Growth

Large Urban, 5,883,853

Small Urban, 4,401,735

Northwest Georgia, 262,208

Georgia Mountains, 78,447Northeast Georgia, 72,744

Three Rivers, 129,984

Middle Georgia, 60,801

Central Savannah River Area, 196,001

River Valley, 131,980

Heart of Georgia Altamaha, 76,667Coastal, 131,308

Southern Georgia, 125,799

Southwest Georgia, 351,572

Rural, 1,617,511

Existing Conditions – Transit Service

Passenger Trips Outside of the Atlanta Area – 11.9 million in 2017

Sources: GDOT, 2017 National Transit Database

Existing Conditions - Socioeconomic Analysis

Source: 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

Trends, Opportunities & Challenges

Some rural and urban areas of the state already have private shuttle services for workforce connections

Performance-driven, outcome-based approach to transportation planning required by USDOT

As communities grow, new challenges and opportunities arise

Rapid advances in technology are changing the face of transportation in Georgia

1 2

3 4

Georgia is Urbanizing

Performance-Based Planning

Technology

Leveraging Private Sector & EmployerParticipation

Public and Stakeholder Engagement

Public Engagement Activities

• Will seek input on plan recommendations• Will hold three public meetings across the State

Public Information Open Houses

• EJ / LEP Communities • Aging populations • Advocacy groups• Non-profit organizations

Targeted Outreach

Public Engagement• Project website• Flyers• Fact sheets • Survey

Responses: • 2,971 completed surveys• 126 Counties • Collected 800+ emails for project updates

Public SurveyJune 18 - August 16

Objectives: • Needs and priorities of public transit users• Rider experiences • Issues and barriers to using public transit

Methods: • Paper Survey • Online Survey

• Available in 4 different languages• Targeted Outreach

• Social media advertising & partnerships• Traditional media coverage• Partnered with local advocacy groups• Media kits

Public Survey – Web Version

• Targeted Facebook Ads• 92,818 people reached• Media Kit for SSC & TAC• Press Release

• Partner communication assistance

Public Survey – Paper Version

• Printed & Shipped to all Rural Providers outside ATL• Posters & Flyers• Prepaid Return Postage

Public Survey Responses

Initial Survey Highlights:

Over 2,900 responses from across Georgia participated online and through paper surveys

Outside of Metro Atlanta 48.4% of respondents are “interested in using transit but it’s not convenient nor available in their area or need to learn more”

“Ensuring Transit is safe” identified as the most important consideration for Transit improvements

Improving access to employment and educational opportunities identified as the most important reason to provide Transit service

Transit Provider Questionnaire

Objectives:• Identify needs at the local provider level • Identify destinations or routes in high demand• Identify travel needs that cross jurisdictional boundaries • Identify issues and challenges to providing public transit • Identify local or regional planning efforts

Initial Highlights:Top 3: State of Good Repair Needs• Purchase of new vehicles• Regular maintenance schedules • More highly trained mechanics

Top 3: Technologies Providers are Considering• Wifi on vehicles or at stops• Partnerships with ride-hailing, scooter and/or

bike share companies, • Smartphone app/website for transit passes or

booking a trip

Stakeholder and Public Engagement ProgramTransit Provider Questionnaire

Personnel Needs

Service Needs

Operational Needs

Statewide Steering Committee (SSC)Kick-Off & Visioning Session: May

Outreach Activities to Date

Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)

Other Activities

ü Public Survey

ü Project Website & Social Media Presence

ü ATL/ARC Transit Operators Group

ü GTA 2018 – Project Introduction

o GPA 2019 – Project Update

o GARC – Project Update

o GAMPO - Project Update

o GTA 2019 – Draft Recommendations

Virtual Meeting & Follow up: JuneProvider Questionnaire: JulyInterviews: August - SeptemberFocus Groups: August – September

ü Rural Providersü Urban Providersü Regional Transit Planningü Technologyü Counties not Served by Transitü Transit Equity and Community Advisory Group

TAC – Focus Groups

Counties without Public Transit Transit Equity & Community Advisory Transit Technology

Community and Stakeholder Feedback

0102

0304

Service hours and schedules do not support all job roles; impacting workforce access and economic development

Transportation Network Companies do not currently service all geographies; drivers not trained to meet the needs of all riders

Rider Experience & Information: Transit availability, trip planning,

fare structure, and etc.

Regional/cross jurisdictional transit service needed for healthcare, education, and employment trips

Transit Needs Assessment

Objectives: • Document local, regional, and statewide public transit needs• Estimate cost and recommend strategies to meet needs

Needs Assessment

Inputs: • Local plans and TDPs• Public survey• Provider questionnaire• Stakeholder interviews• TAC focus groups• Transit Cooperative Research Program

(TCRP) Report 161: need and demand forecasting methodology (ACS data)

Outputs: • Locally identified needs• Areas of highest transit demand• Identified activity centers

(employers, education, health centers)

• Quantified regional and statewide needs

Performance Measures

ObjectiveReduce transit-related safety

incidents and injuries

MeasurementNumber of injuries involving transit vehicles per 100,000

transit vehicle miles

SourceNational Transit Database

ObjectiveSupport and maintain regional

operations and assets to deliver transit efficiently

MeasurementNumber of counties part of a

regional or multi-county system

SourceTransit Operator

GoalProvide a safe and

sustainable public transit network

GoalOptimize public transit programs

to best meet public transit systems’ and travelers’ needs

ObjectiveIncrease awareness and visibility of public transit services available

MeasurementPercentage of operators with an

app

SourceTransit Operator

GoalLeverage technology & innovation to support public transit ridership

and performance

Example Performance Measures

Upcoming Activities

Transit System Profiles

Schedule

= Completed stakeholder engagement meeting

Next Steps

ü Interviews and best management practices

ü Share public survey resultsü Transit profile sheets ü Outcome-based performance measuresü Needs assessmentü Investment strategies

ü Draft SWTRP Reportü Public Open Houses

Contact

Kaycee Mertz404-347-0657

kmertz@dot.ga.gov

http://www.dot.ga.gov/IS/Transit/TransitPlan

Ryan Walker404-347-0545

crwalker@dot.ga.gov

Leigh Ann Trainer404-347-0597

LTrainer@dot.ga.gov

Audience Questions

What recommendations would you like included in the Statewide Transit Plan?

Audience Questions

How would you invest in transit for 2050?